Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood

Samurai Shodown III: Blades of Blood is a 1995 weapon-based fighting game developed and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade system. This radical reinvention of the series introduced a branching storyline, stance-based combat, and the revolutionary 'Rage Slash' system that dramatically altered gameplay dynamics.

Platform

Arcade

Year

1995

Genre

Weapon-based Fighting

Developer

SNK

Controls

JoystickMove/Duck/Jump

ALight Slash

BMedium Slash

CStrong Slash

DKick

A+BDisarm (When opponent attacks)

B+CWeapon Flipping Technique

Down, Down-Forward, Forward + SlashSpecial Moves

Start ButtonSwitch Between Offensive/Defensive Stances

Full Rage Gauge + Any AttackRage Slash (Instant Max Power)

About This Game

The game features 14 characters including alternate versions of series staples - 'Slash' (technical) and 'Bust' (powerful) variations with different move sets. Newcomers like Gaira Caffeine and Zankuro Minazuki bring fresh weapon styles to the roster.

Major mechanical changes include the Rage Slash gauge (allowing instant max power attacks), stance switching between offensive/defensive modes, and terrain-based damage modifiers. The Neo Geo hardware delivers fluid animations with dynamic weather effects in stages.

Though controversial for its drastic changes, Samurai Shodown III is praised for its ambitious redesign and technical achievements. It remains a cult favorite for its high-risk combat system and multiple story outcomes based on player choices.

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